After Move-in
DECK
Apply preservative sealer to wood surfaces following manufacturer’s instructions.
ELECTRIC
Locate the main circuit breaker in the electric panel box and show family members how to turn it off in case of emergency.
FIRE EXTINGUISHER
Purchase a general-purpose fire extinguisher for each floor of the home plus one small kitchen extinguisher for grease fires. Demonstrate proper usage to family members in case of an emergency.
FIREPLACE
Purchase fireplace tools as necessary.
FIRST AID KIT
Keep first aid materials and a book on first aid procedures in an accessible location.
FLOORING
Attach furniture protectors underneath furniture legs to protect hardwood, resilient, and ceramic tile floors.
HOUSEHOLD TOOLS
Acquire basic tools to help you with normal home maintenance. You will need: pliers, adjustable wrench, flat-blade and Phillips head screwdrivers, claw hammer, hand saw, tape measure, caulk and caulking gun, putty knife, paint roller and brush, power drill and bits, nails, brads, screws, nuts, bolts, sandpaper, utility knife, toilet plunger, and flashlight.
LANDSCAPING
Review recommendations in the Landscaping portion of the Maintenance section of this manual.
Set back irrigation timers after the plant material is established. This will prevent over watering.
PLUMBING
Locate and label the main water line shutoff valve and show all family members how to close it in case of a plumbing emergency.
WATER EROSION
After first heavy rain, check foundation for erosion and fill eroded areas.
Once a Month
AIR CONDITIONING AND HEATING
Check air filters and clean or replace as necessary.
Vacuum air supply and air return registers to remove dust and lint.
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
Check fire extinguishers to ensure that they are fully charged.
GARBAGE DISPOSAL
Clean disposal blades by grinding up ice cubes. Freshen it with baking soda and by grinding up citrus fruit rinds.
GRADING AND DRAINAGE
Inspect site for erosion and deterioration of established swales and berms. Re-establish proper grades as necessary.
Inspect yard drains for blockage.
INTERIOR CAULKING
Check for cracks or separations in caulking around sinks, bathtubs, toilets, faucets, countertops and backsplashes, ceramic walls, resilient and ceramic floors, windowsills, and any other areas originally caulked by your builder. To repair these areas, use an appropriate caulking compound and follow the caulking instructions in the Interior Walls and Ceilings and Plumbing Fixtures portion of the Maintenance section of this Manual.
PLUMBING
Check for leaks on water supply lines and valves to sinks and toilets. Check pipes and drains for water leakage.
RANGE HOOD FAN
Clean or replace dirty filter.
ROOFING
Check gutters and valleys, and clean off any leaves or debris buildup.
SMOKE DETECTOR
Test smoke detectors.
Clean and/or vacuum detector openings as necessary.
WINDOWS
Vacuum tracks
Twice a Year
CABINETS
Clean and apply a light coat of wax.
Inspect for separations (particularly at sinks and backsplash), re-caulk as needed.
CAULKING
Inspect caulking around sinks, showers, tubs, countertops and ceramic tile and repair as necessary.
DOORS
Check screws on door lockset, hardware and tighten as necessary.
Lubricate bi-fold and by-pass doors as necessary.
Clean sliding door tracks and apply silicone spray to tracks as necessary.
Oil moving parts of garage door.
Inspect paint for peeling or cracking; touch up paint where needed.
ELECTRIC
Test and reset all Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) receptacles.
Check electrical extension and appliance cords. Replace frayed or split cords.
EXTERIOR FINISHES
Check for cracks and voids in exterior caulking and re-caulk as necessary.
Check exterior painted surfaces for wear and deterioration. To repair, follow the maintenance instructions contained in the Painting portion of the Maintenance section of the manual.
PLUMBING
Clean out faucet aerators, spray nozzles and drains.
Remove water heater residue following instructions in the Plumbing Section of the manual.
FOUNDATION
Check foundation for settlement, ponding or potential drainage problems.
SMOKE DETECTORS
Replace the batteries in your smoke detectors every six months
WINDOWS
Check sills for caulking cracks or separations and re-caulk as necessary.
Check weather stripping around windows and repair or replace as necessary.
Check windows for smooth opening and closing operation. Clean tracks and lubricate as necessary.
Inspect window screens and repair or replace as necessary.
Annual
ATTIC
Check attic insulation and move insulation back to its original location if there are voids on the attic floor.
CABINETS
Check drawers and hinges for proper alignment. Tighten and adjust as necessary.
DECK
Check and tighten all deck bolts.
Replace damaged pickets, rails, and boards. Replace warped boards that create a trip hazard.
Reseal wood surfaces with a preservative as necessary following manufacturer’s instructions.
DOORS
Check and repair or replace weather-stripping on exterior doors as necessary.
Check and tighten door hardware and lubricate as necessary.
Tighten all bolts on garage door.
ROOFS
Check roof for loose and broken tile and repair.
Check tar around flashing and reseal if necessary.
Do not walk on your roof. Using a roofing professional is recommended to avoid damage to the roof.
Have annual roof inspection by a qualified roofing professional – before the storm season.
Check for dirt and debris (including bird droppings) in valleys, flashings, gutters and downspouts; have cleaned by a roofing professional.
WINDOWS
Have a contractor check skylights for loose flashing and gaps in caulking.